Monday, February 23, 2009

Normally, I don't like commenting on political matters. However, CUPE Ontario's boycott of Israeli Universities is one issue that makes my blood boil. I don't know what kind of kool-aid Sid Ryan handed out at the Windsor conference, but it clearly and unfortunately did its job.

This boycott creates more divisions and encourages anger and hatred. No matter how hard CUPE Ontario tries to sugarcoat it, this boycott is antisemitic and hurts our country's reputation as an accepting and multicultural society.

For one thing, the Israel/Gaza conflict does not fall under CUPE's jurisdiction. Second of all, if CUPE wants to make a statement about this issue, they should encourage members from different backgrounds to have discussions about the conflict and come up with peaceful resolutions; perhaps this would set an example for others to follow.

Instead, however, CUPE has chosen to boycott, which is nothing more than a step backwards.

Sid Ryan has publicly shown his ignorance. He has intentionally expressed antisemitism. He has also tarnished the image and reputation of CUPE. I encourage all CUPE members to speak with their leaders, CONDEMN this boycott and DEMAND Sid Ryan's resignation.

Monday, February 16, 2009

This trade was 90% related to the Raptors' future, and 10% related to the present.

During his short tenure with Toronto, Jermaine O'Neal played well. Unfortunately, the entire team didn't. If the Raptors want to make a serious run for the playoffs, they needed to make a sacrifice in order to make an improvement. JO put up great numbers, but he was expendable. This was proven by Andrea Bargnani, who showed that he could be just as productive as JO at the centre position.

More importantly, JO's salary ate up a lot of cap space. This trade frees up a large chunk of money for the Raptors, which will allow them to (hopefully) be buyers rather than sellers. The extra finance is also important for (again...hopefully) resigning Chris Bosh, who will have many enticing offers come his way in 2010.

Shawn Marion gives the Raptors a legitamate small forward. However, the length of his stay in Toronto remains to be seen. Marcus Banks is nothing special. He will probably get a few minutes and won't be back next year.

As for Jamario Moon - it's sad to see him go. But in all fairness, he was popular with the fans, but not that great on the court. With all due respect to Moon, he was simply a one-hit wonder.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

I wasn't surprised when I found out about Alex Rodriguez's steroid use. He's a great ball player, but I personally don't like him - mainly because of the bush league stunt he (allegedly) pulled on Howie Clark a few seasons ago. Let's also not forget about the young woman he was caught with in Toronto that wasn't his wife. For a guy with an already tarnished reputation, it only makes sense that he would eventually be caught using steroids, even though he took them 6-8 years ago.

However, I do give him credit for coming clean, admitting he used steroids and apologizing.

Regardless, this incident adds to the cynicism that surrounds Major League Baseball. As a passionate fan, this cynicism is upsetting and hurtful. However, it doesn't deter my love for the sport.

Wednesday, February 04, 2009

One of my favourite newscasters is leaving the airwaves. CFTO......er......CTV Toronto's Dave Devall is retiering after 48 years of providing accurate and informative weather reports. I feel I learned more about the weather from Dave Devall than in a classroom. He will be missed.

Here's a little video I found about Dave. It chronicles his long and successful career: